Michael Becke/FOX
Randy Jackson has been a judge and then a mentor on American Idol since the very beginning of the series. But when the singing competition show hits season 14, it’s going to be the end of an era.
After 13 seasons of telling contestants his famous catchphrase, “You’re too pitchy, dawg!” Jackson is finally following the other original judges’ cue and is exiting the Fox series.
E! News has confirmed that Jackson won’t be returning for season 14. He also released a statement confirming his departure.
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“After 13 seasons, I felt now was the perfect time to leave American Idol,” Jackson said in a statement obtained by E! “I’m proud to have been a part of a series that discovered some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows ever. A true original, Idol started it all. Onto what’s next.”
As for “what’s next,” Jackson will continue producing TV shows and movies and managing artists through his company Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment.
“Randy has been such an integral part of American Idol since day one, both as a judge and as a mentor,” Fox said in a statment. “He’s provided great advice and support, shaping the success of so many Idols we have discovered over the years. We wish him all the best in his next chapter. Randy will always be part of our Idol family and we hope he’ll visit from time to time.”
Jackson has been with American Idol since it’s premiere along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul He previously left the show in May 2013 after season 12, but a mere three months later, he returned as a mentor. Jackson replaced Jimmy Iovine in that role.
Host Ryan Seacrest is now the only remaining member of the original American Idol team. Season 14 judges will be returning judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr..
Deadline first reported Jackson’s exit.
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